Top Five Experiences: Italy

There is an almost overwhelming list of possibilities of
what to do on a holiday to Italy (besides
eating your body weight in pasta and gelato), but lucky for you
we've narrowed it down to a list of our top five ultimate Italian
experiences that will make your holiday even more memorable.
Whether you're seeking adrenaline-inducing adventure, a slice of
culture, or an ever larger slice of pizza, our top recommendations
for Italy have got it all...

Hiking the Pathway of the Gods in Amalfi

Make the most of the incredible views along the Amalfi
Coast by heading on a walk along the Sentiero degli Dei, or
Path of the Gods. The name alone should be a good enough indication
of the beauty of the scenery along this section of coast. The path
starts on the outskirts of Bomerano, and it's then a gentle three
hour walk to Nocelle, the perfect spot for a long, rewarding lunch.
Along this pathway you can enjoy some of the most dramatic clifftop
views in Europe, but a tip for those travelling in peak summer:
make sure you get up early enough to avoid the midday heat, and the
crowds.

Cookery Classes in Bologna

Bologna
is considered the food capital of Italy (a big achievement in this
country), which goes a long way in explaining the city's nickname
of 'La Grassa', or The Fat One. So, with this in mind, where better
to head to learn the art of Italian cooking than here? Bologna is
the ultimate place to learn how to make your own tortellini, rich
ragùs, carnival sfrappole (sweet fried pastries), and all manner of
other delectable dishes. Then to work off all that food, try
climbing the 498 steps up Bologna's medieval Torre degli Asinelli
tower, which provides the best possible views of the city.

Via Ferrata

The
via ferrata, or 'iron roads', of the Italian Dolomites consist
of an expansive network of iron ladders, footpaths and bridges,
once used to move ammunition and supplies around these unforgiving
mountains, and now provide the perfect adventurous holiday
activity. We can organise trips for walkers of all abilities with
expert guides who know the routes like the backs of their hands.
However, we would recommend steering well clear of this particular
activity if you suffer from vertigo!

Ride a Gondola in Venice

This may seem like an obvious entry, but it's a classic for a
reason. There is no doubt that
Venice is meant to be viewed from the water, so head out on a
private gondola tour of the city to discover the charm and silence
of the narrow canals of this floating city. Settle in as your
gondola meanders through vibrant neighbourhoods, under bridges and
past squares, and as you glide down the Grand Canal admire the
centuries-old palaces on either side. To experience the waterways
at their most beautiful, opt for a moonlit gondola ride back to
your hotel after dinner, where you'll be guided along the winding
canals as the lights reflect off the water.

Greek Temples in Sicily

In
Sicily, explore the remarkably well preserved ancient ruins at
the Valley of the Temples, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Looking up
at the huge stone pillars of the Temple of Concordia, it's not hard
to see why these Greek temples are a national monument of Italy. We
can organise for a guide to take you around the site and bring the
ruins to life with dramatic and informative tales of days gone by.
Combine a trip to explore these temples with an afternoon in
Agrigento for lunch and a wander, as well as the chance to sample
some gelato.

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